Kinetochore protein NDC80 homolog (HEC1) (HEC1)

Kinetochore protein Hec1 (Highly Expressed in Cancer 1), also known as NDC80, is a fundamental component of the outer kinetochore NDC80 complex, which mediates the essential connection between chromosomes and spindle microtubules during mitosis [1][2]. It is critical for maintaining the stability of kinetochore-microtubule attachments and for the proper functioning of the spindle assembly checkpoint, which prevents premature chromosome segregation [3]. Hec1 is frequently overexpressed in numerous malignancies, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, where its upregulation is associated with chromosomal instability and poor clinical outcomes [4][5]. Due to its indispensable role in the division of cancer cells and its relatively low expression in quiescent normal cells, Hec1 is a high-priority target for anti-cancer drug development [6]. Therapeutic strategies primarily involve small molecules that disrupt the interaction between Hec1 and its regulatory kinase Nek2 or inhibit Hec1's ability to bind microtubules, thereby inducing mitotic arrest and cell death [7][8]. Citations: [1] UniProt (O14777); [2] PubMed (PMID: 11724931); [3] PubMed (PMID: 12439614); [4] PubMed (PMID: 19343110); [5] PubMed (PMID: 23536446); [6] PubMed (PMID: 21813410); [7] PubMed (PMID: 26452218); [8] PubMed (PMID: 18483225).

Other names

Highly expressed in cancer proteinNDC80KNTC2HECTID3Kinetochore protein Hec1

Inhibition of the Hec1-Nek2 protein-protein interaction or disruption of Hec1-microtubule binding, leading to mitotic arrest, chromosomal instability, and subsequent apoptosis.